THROW DOWN THE GAUNTLET #1 NIGHT RIDE ON SNOWDON

In the first part of a new series, Saracen Bikes challenge us to tackle Wales's highest peak in the dark, with help from new team signing Greg Williamson

- Tom Marvin

RIDING SNOWDON – OR AS IT’S NOW OFFICIALLY KNOWN, YR WYDDFA – IS A RITE OF PASSAGE FOR UK MOUNTAIN BIKERS.

Formed from rocks spewed out of volcanoes and sculpted by glaciers, it's the tallest British peak outside of the Scottish Highlands - and it's always nice to tick off a proper mountain. However, what really makes Yr Wyddfa such a classic is how accessible it is, with a wide, rocky track to the top (plus a train, for tourists). From there, a number of much narrower paths cut lines down the sides, making for a rollercoaster descent. The sheer number of visitors more than half a million per year - means there's a ban on bikes from 10am to 5pm in peak season, so you have to tackle it at dawn or dusk. This got the folk at Saracen Bikes thinking... Tasked with devising a series of fiendish challenges for us, to show off the capabilities of their new bikes, they figured why not make us ride this 1,085m peak in the dark. They had the perfect rider to accompany us on this mission, too-new Madison Saracen signing and reigning British downhill champ Greg Williamson. Tackling a towering peak at night, in midwinter and with a super-fit and skilful World Cup racer to keep pace with what could possible go wrong?!

Plan of attack